In an escalating war of words between former F1 drivers, FIA steward Johnny Herbert has defended his right to publicly express opinions on racing matters in response to recent criticism from Jos Verstappen.
The father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen lashed out after Herbert – who was on the four-man stewards panel in Mexico City – made remarks on the penalties imposed on the Red Bull driver due to his aggressive driving in the race.
Herbert warned that the Dutchman's contentious tactics are unlikely to stop him “from pushing Lando Norris off the track in the future.”
The three-time Grand Prix winner's assertion did not sit well with Verstappen Sr. who believes that anyone sitting in the stewards' office on race weekends should keep their personal opinions to themselves and focus solely on officiating.
"A steward shouldn't talk to the press at all and just deliver work all the time," Jos insisted.
The conflict continued last weekend in Brazil, where tensions were already high following criticism expressed by Sky F1's Martin Brundle and Damon Hill.
Max Verstappen, under heavy scrutiny for his tactics, reacted by suggesting that a bias might be at play, saying, "I've got the wrong passport for this paddock."
Herbert, who also served as a steward in Sao Paulol, rejected claims of bias and defended his right to hold personal opinions, pointing out that he wears two hats: a steward's role on race weekends and a commentator's voice outside official duties.
“I am Johnny Herbert the steward and the professional during a race weekend and Johnny Herbert a pundit at other times, who expresses what he thinks," Herbert told SafestBettingSites.co.uk.
"When I am a steward, I do not express any opinions.
“Everyone has an opinion. Martin Brundle has an opinion. Why can't I when I am not at the race track? The race track has been my world for 50 years.
“If I don't quite agree with what I see on the race track I will say so. It is not just Max. I'll criticize anyone if I feel it is warranted.
“I understand it from Jos's point of view because it is his son. Is there any bias? No, of course not. I wasn't the only one to think that Max was over the top in Mexico. Lando Norris and [McLaren boss] Zak Brown thought so too.
“When I do speak to people on a Monday or Tuesday that is outside my stewarding responsibilities.”
Drawing a comparison between his position and Jos's criticisms, Herbert hinted that the elder Verstappen's outspoken stance on Red Bull's handling of his son was itself an exercise in public opinion.
“Jos has always been very outspoken about what is happening at Red Bull,” Herbert added. “Is that his position to be? It is all very similar. If you have an opinion and you want to make it, then you can.”
©McLaren
Herbert also offered words of encouragement for Lando Norris, who now trails Verstappen by 62 points in the Drivers' standings with just a few races to go.
Reflecting on McLaren's decision-making and Norris's title fight, Herbert suggested that the sum of experiences would only benefit the young driver going forward.
“McLaren and Lando missed out on seven points in Hungary because they let Piastri win, and it's those things they need to be aware of going into next season," added the former Grand Prix driver.
“Will they lose the championship this year? No, because they were always on catch-up. They could have got more points, but that is racing. Max had the clear lead and then didn't win after June.
“McLaren will learn for next year and have a stronger mindset. “Lando will go into 2025 knowing he can beat Max.”
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